72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
Chesapeake wins 1–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–0 overall (72/100)
💰 Chesapeake is more affordable
💼 Virginia Beach has lower unemployment
📋 Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach — The Verdict
Chesapeake scores 72.8/100 compared to Virginia Beach's 72.2/100, winning 1 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Chesapeake saves you $122/month — that's $1,464 per year.
💵
Households in Chesapeake earn $5,159 more per year (6% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$339,500
$343,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,446
$1,568
Median Income
$92,703
$87,544
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 1% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
3.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
23 Good
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach: Common Questions
Is Chesapeake or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Chesapeake is more affordable overall. Home prices are $4,200 lower in Chesapeake. Monthly rent is $1,446 in Chesapeake vs $1,568 in Virginia Beach.
Does Chesapeake or Virginia Beach have better weather?
Virginia Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chesapeake or Virginia Beach better for finding a job?
Virginia Beach currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Chesapeake vs 3.6% in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $92,703 in Chesapeake and $87,544 in Virginia Beach.
Which city is safer — Chesapeake or Virginia Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Virginia Beach is safer. Chesapeake has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Virginia Beach. Chesapeake scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Virginia Beach.
Should I move from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach?
Based on our data, Chesapeake scores 72.8/100 vs Virginia Beach's 72.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Virginia Beach is more affordable, while Virginia Beach has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.